Linalool refers to two enantiomers of a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants. Linalool has multiple commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent. A colorless oil, linalool is classified as an acyclic monoterpenoid. In plants, it is a metabolite, a volatile oil component, an antimicrobial agent, and an aroma compound. Linalool has uses in manufacturing of soaps, fragrances, food additives as flavors, household products, and insecticides. Esters of linalool are referred to as linalyl, e.g. linalyl pyrophosphate, an isomer of geranyl pyrophosphate.
In molecular biology, this protein domain belongs to the terpene synthase family (TPS). Its role is to synthesize terpenes, which are part of primary metabolism, such as sterols and carotene, and also part of the secondary metabolism. This entry will focus on the N terminal domain of the TPS protein.
Eugenol synthase (EC 1.1.1.318, LtCES1, EGS1, EGS2) is an enzyme with systematic name eugenol:NADP+ oxidoreductase (coniferyl ester reducing). This enzyme catalyses the following chemical reaction: eugenol + a carboxylate + NADP+ a coniferyl ester + NADPH + H+
1,8-Cineole synthase (EC 4.2.3.108, 1,8-cineole cyclase, geranyl pyrophoshate:1,8-cineole cyclase, 1,8-cineole synthetase) is an enzyme with systematic name geranyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase (cyclizing, 1,8-cineole-forming). This enzyme catalyses the following chemical reaction
(–)-β-Pinene synthase (EC 4.2.3.120, β-geraniolene synthase, (–)-(1S,5S)-pinene synthase, geranyldiphosphate diphosphate lyase (pinene forming)) is an enzyme with systematic name geranyl-diphosphate diphosphate-lyase [cyclizing, (–)-β-pinene-forming]. This enzyme catalyses the following chemical reaction
